Joanicius I of Peć

Our father among the saints Joanikije or Joanicius I of Peć (Serbian: Свети Јоаникије I, архиепископ српски) was the Archibishop of Serbia from 1272 to 1276. His feast day is May 28 on Julian Calendar.

Life

St. Joanicius was born into a pious family. As young man he joined the monks at Mount Athos. He was a disciple of St. Sava II. Joanicius accompanied his teacher to the Holy Land where in Jerusalem he was ordaineddeacon and then presbyter. After returning to Mt. Athos, Joanicius was elected an econom of Hilandar Monastery, and later an igumen. He returned to Serbia and was elected archimandrite of Studenica Monastery. St Joanicius was elected archbishop of Serbia in 1272. He retired in 1276 after King Stefan Uroš I was forced to abdicate by his son Stefan Dragutin. St. Joanicius died on May 28, 1279. St. Queen Jelena, wife of King Stefan Uroš I, translated his relics in Sopoćani Monastery, which her husband's founded in 1282. St. Joanicius was described as man full of virtues. He was later glorified, leaving behind his incorrupt relics.